Alas Kedaton is a protected temple forest of about 12 hectares in Tabanan, set among rice fields and villages inland from Tanah Lot. At its center stands Pura Alas Kedaton, an old temple surrounded by tall trees, and the forest is home to troops of long-tailed macaques and roosting fruit bats. It offers a quieter, more local alternative to the monkey forest in Ubud.
Like other monkey forests in Bali, Alas Kedaton is above all a sacred site. The forest is protected because it surrounds the temple, and the monkeys are regarded as its guardians. Large fruit bats, or flying foxes, roost high in the canopy and are one of the forest's distinctive sights, hanging in clusters among the branches during the day.
Visits are usually accompanied by a local guide who walks with you through the forest and around the temple walls. The monkeys here tend to be calmer than at the busier sanctuaries, making it a relaxed place to watch them. Paths are short and shaded, and the forest is an easy addition to a day exploring Tabanan's temples and rice fields.
Highlights
- Pura Alas Kedaton at the center
- Long-tailed macaques in a calm setting
- Fruit bats roosting in the canopy
- Easy to combine with Tanah Lot
Good to know
- Keep sunglasses, hats and snacks out of sight around the monkeys.
- A guide usually accompanies visitors; a tip is appreciated at the end.
- Combine with Tanah Lot or Taman Ayun on the same day.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
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